Second Reef Point for a Catalina 320.

[Jim Wolfgram]

Have any 320 owners added a second reef to their main sails, and if so, how difficult was it to add rigging for the second line. My boat has a full battened main, and a dutchman system, all the lines for the reefing are run inside the boom. I've got a quote of 210 to add the reef to the sail, but I don't know if I'll be able to find a rigger interested in such a small job. There are messenger lines that seem to be designed to pull the second reef line thru the system, but it's not intuitively obvious to me how to do it. If anyone has taken this on and knows the steps I would be very greatful. On the SF bay, that second reef point is pretty important.thanks and let me know.

 

[Trevor]

Copy the 1st reef

Hi Jim -I agree that a 2nd reef point is a good thing to have, especially on the Bay. What I would do is duplicate how the 1st reef point is run, adjusting for where the grommet on the leech is located. You'll need a turning block on a cheek located just below this point on the boom. The line will start at the boom, run up through the grommet, back through the cheek block on the other side, and forward to a cleat. You could set up a single line jiffy reefing system, but my preference is to have the luff (reef tack) independent of the leech control for better sail shape. The reefed clew is pulled aft better and the tack is held lower in my opinion. Keep it simple and easy to use so you don't get overpowered.Best of luck,Trevor

 

[Joe]

flemish eye....

Rig the reefing line with a flemish eye, a small loop whipped to its end. The messenger line is attached to the flemish eye and the reefing line is pulled through. You'll need another cheek block on the boom for the second reef.

 

[Jeff]

Copy the 1st reef

I copied the first reef including the two blocks in the boom. I have used it in several 25+ knot situations and it works very well. I don't remember the exact sequence for the project. It requires a couple of Harken #166 blocks connected with a shackle inside the boom. Also a larger Harken double block where the reefing lines are routed below the goose neck. You will probably need to remove the aft end fitting from the boom to facilitate running the lines and to ensure that all of the lines are routed free of eachother.

 

[RonD]

Feedback wanted

... from any of you who have a C320 with a second reef in the mainsail. I'd like to hear about where you put it, what headsail configuration you use with it, and the wind conditions that drive you to set it.I generally put the first reef in if winds are going to be steady at 25 knts or more. I'll generally crank in the 135% Genoa to about 115% or so at that time, too. With that combo, plus some tuning with the vang, traveller, outhaul, etc. I can get things pretty well balanced, and without excessive heeling. Carried that configuration comfortably out to 30-32 knts by easing the main.With a second reef in the main, what sort of headsail are you using? The typical 135 or 150% roller furling Genoa simply doesn't do much for you close-hauled when cranked in to anything less than 110-115% -- loses any effective shape.Thanks--RonD

 

[Jeff]

It depends...

When we go to the 2nd reef depends on wind and wave conditions, apparent wind direction, how comfortable the passengers are with heeling, how far we have to go to our destination, etc, etc. Winds are usually over 25 knots. We furl the jib to somewhere around 105 percent and use the inner track. The clew reaches just aft of the upper shrouds. Its shape is pretty good now that we had the Seafoam luff installed. With that combo of sails we still make good speed, remain at less than 15 degrees of heel, and can sit comfortably while we sip our cocktails.If it's just my wife and I onboard and we are just daysailing, we will more likely hoist as much sail as practical and try to (almost) bury the rail.It depends....